South Africa to Advance?

Lakershomer · Jun 6, 2010

I believe that South Africa will advance, but I've been reading a lot of previews and they have not agreed. Now, Mexico has looked really good as well defeating Italy and staying with England before losing. The South Africans have played well lately with a top 4 finish in the confederations cup and a great run in to the world cup. Yes, they have the worst squad in Group A, but I believe that being the host nation is a huge advantage with the crowds and the fact that referees usually favor the home country.
What are your thoughts on South Africa?

mclosin · Jun 7, 2010

pretty much agree, will be looking at them on a game to game basis moreso though.

X-Files · Jun 7, 2010

Many on both sides of this one. Points can be made either way,
so i'm probably on the sidelines. In general i don't like to back
poor teams, anyway, even when they have home advantage.
Mexico is the superior side.

Add in the possibilty of referee bias favoring the hosts and this
is looking more and more like a no bet. Many better wagering
options out there IMO.

Mexico is used to altitude and heat, BTW, so if those are
factors in the first game it shouldn't be a problem for them.

mclosin · Jun 7, 2010

heat is not gonna be a problem. its winter in south africa right now think december not june. i think the weather actually favors the european teams, maybe not the altitude, but it will be cool or cold for a lot of the games.

jwblue · Jun 7, 2010

mclosin said:
heat is not gonna be a problem. its winter in south africa right now think december not june. i think the weather actually favors the european teams, maybe not the altitude, but it will be cool or cold for a lot of the games.

This may be the biggest reason Brazil might not win the World Cup. Too cold. Average temperatures in Brazil are around the mid eighties for 12 months of the year.

Spain looks like the solid favorite to win this thing.

Lakershomer · Jun 7, 2010

InSpades said:
This may be the biggest reason Brazil might not win the World Cup. Too cold. Average temperatures in Brazil are around the mid eighties for 12 months of the year.

Spain looks like the solid favorite to win this thing.

I actually hadn't thought of that, but I still believe that Brazil is supremely talented yet can also step up in the big time which is why they are my favorite. Every other team that is possibly good enough,( Spain, Netharlands, Argentina) all have a weakness that I just don't see in Brazil. As well, no Euro team has won on non- Euro soil and by the way I think that at the very least one of these four will win.
Also, I visited South Africa this past year and the I don't believe the heat will impact any squad too much but if they aren't adapted to the altitude, in some cities that could be a big problem.

born2gamble · Jun 8, 2010

X-Files said:
Mexico is used to altitude and heat, so if those are
factors in the first game it shouldn't be a problem for them.

Agree.

Mexico City

Elevation-2,240 m (7,349 ft)

Johannesburg

Elevation-1,753 m (5,751 ft)

born2gamble · Jun 8, 2010

X-Files said:
Mexico is the superior side.

Mexico is used to altitude and heat, BTW, so if those are
factors in the first game it shouldn't be a problem for them.

The average high is 63 in June and a low of 46. That's great weather to play any sport in. The weather favors nobody.